Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph (Bamboo Organ Church) — Attraction in 1st District

Diego Serra de la Virgen del Carmen, a Spanish natural scientist, chemist, architect, community leader, organist, and organ builder, arrived in Las Piñas the day after Christmas in 1795. He immediately began building a church in the Baroque style using volcanic rock.

At the time, the indigenous people of Las Piñas were mostly salt workers, fishermen, farmers, laborers, embroiderers, and small businessmen. Despite the harsh conditions of the parish, Serra set out to build a makeshift chapel and convent near the beach using nipa and bamboo. The residents, who numbered only 1,200 at the time, saw his dedication and helped with the construction by doing manual labor or donating building materials.

In 1816, when the stone church of Las Piñas was almost complete, he began building an organ made of bamboo, which he completed in 1824. It is the only organ made of bamboo in the world. Diego Serra served as the parish priest of Las Piñas until May 15, 1832, when he became seriously ill and could no longer perform his parish duties. He died in Manila on June 24, 1832.

The stone church and the parish were destroyed by three earthquakes on January 18, July 29, and September 30, 1829.

Serra was renowned not only for his stone church construction but also for his architectural restoration work. It is said that Manila Archbishop Jose Seki visited the Las Piñas church on October 29, 1831, and was deeply impressed by the church’s exquisite decoration and the fact that it had been restored despite the poverty of the town.

Francisco Mañosa and Partners and architect Ludwig Alvarez, under the direction of Mark Lesage, restored the church. The restoration was intended to bring back the appearance of the 19th-century church and to reposition the main altar so that it faced the congregation in accordance with new ecumenical guidelines. The newly restored church was inaugurated on December 3, 1972. The original structure was preserved, with additional additions made.

The restoration of the church coincided with the return of the Las Piñas bamboo organ to its original condition on March 13, 1975, after a three-year restoration in Bonn, Germany. On May 9, 1975, the bamboo organ gave its first concert in the newly renovated church and surrounding buildings.

The Bamboo Organ Festival is a week-long festival held annually during the second week of February, centered around the unique bamboo organ built by Fray Diego de la Serra. The event is held at the St. Joseph Church in Las Piñas, home to the famous bamboo organ. Performances by international musicians add to the festivities.

Las Piñas Church was designated as a historic site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1995 with the installation of a historical marker, and on July 15, 2013, Las Piñas Church was designated as a historic site by the National Institute of Historical Research.

On the right side of the main hall is a small museum about the bamboo organ. Through the museum, you can see the organ installed on the second floor of the main hall up close. The admission fee to the museum is 200 PHP. The organ is not much different from the one seen from the first floor, but those who want to get closer to the traces of its long history and the instrument can go up to the second floor with the...

The Saint Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas, also known as the Bamboo Organ Church, is a historic and culturally significant landmark in the Philippines. Established in 1795 by the Spanish missionary Fray Diego Cera de la Virgen del Carmen, the church is renowned for housing the world-famous Bamboo Organ, a unique instrument constructed with over 900 bamboo pipes.

Architecturally, the church showcases Earthquake Baroque design, characterized by its robust adobe stone construction intended to withstand seismic activity. The interior exudes a serene and spiritual ambiance, enhanced by the warm tones of the bamboo and the soft natural light filtering through the windows.

The Bamboo Organ itself, completed in 1824, stands as a testament to Fray Diego Cera's ingenuity and craftsmanship. Recognizing its cultural value, the organ was meticulously restored in Germany in 1975 and returned to its home in Las Piñas. Today, it is celebrated annually during the International Bamboo Organ Festival, attracting musicians and visitors from around the globe.

Visitors to the church often remark on the friendly and accommodating nature of the parish community. The surrounding gardens, adorned with lush plants and trees, provide a tranquil setting for reflection and relaxation. The church courtyard is also utilized for gatherings, fostering a sense of community among parishioners and guests.

In addition to its spiritual offerings, the church complex houses a museum located in the old Spanish convent adjacent to the church. This museum offers insights into the church's rich history and the story of the Bamboo Organ, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation of this cultural treasure.

Overall, the Saint Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of cultural heritage, community, and the enduring legacy of Filipino...

The Bamboo Organ Church, officially known as St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas, is a charming and historic place of worship that beautifully reflects old-style Spanish architecture. Though relatively small in size, the church exudes a peaceful and reverent atmosphere.

One of its most distinctive features is its ceiling, tastefully decorated with bamboo, adding a unique and natural touch to the interiors. Of course, the highlight is the famous Bamboo Organ — the oldest and only one of its kind in the Philippines. Made mostly from bamboo pipes, it’s a true national treasure and a must-see for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re visiting for prayer, history, or curiosity, this church offers a serene and culturally...